Colorado's Mining History

 Colorado's history is rich with gold and silver. Many of the towns, and even cities, in Colorado today once started out as mining camps. Men got rich and towns flourished during the boom days of gold and silver.
Precious ores were first found on or near the ground's surface. Most notably in the streams and creeks. When this ran out, large dredges were brought in (by railroad) to process the streambeds - leaving behind mounds of gravel alongside the water.

Gravel mounds left from dredge mining operaitons

Hardrock mining - underground mining method used to extract ore - was used in areas where water wasn't present. This form of mining was dangerous, hard work.

Old Mill and abandoned mine on right

But all good things must come to an end. And evidence of these mines, and what's left of some towns, can still be seen in many locations.

The telltale evidence of an old mine is the brightly colored dirt and rocks seen on hillsides.

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